Braves Take First Step Towards Playoffs, After Blanking Nepean 3-0 on Friday Night

Brockville – I don’t always see eye to eye with the Three Stars selection but Friday night they had it right on! As Harper Cotie said in his introduction, Austin Caley has been spectacular in nets for the Braves this season and last night was no exception. Jesse Lumsden was being Jesse Lumsden as he scored one goal and pressed for many others.

Video Highlights – (Thanks to Phil Brennan for game footage):

Nepean played a strong game considering they have been eliminated from the CCHl playoffs. Earlier in the week they potted an even dozen (12) goals in a game against Pembroke and at times threatened to repeat against the Braves but Austin Caley denied them time after time.

Kimani “KJ” Eccleston had one of his best games since returning from Sudbury, he scored once ( on a picture perfect tic-tac-toe play with Vahro and Lowry). The lines were juggled again last night but all parties seemed to gel with their combos.

The “BROCK” line was split up but they all had great games. Drake sled was relentless in his pursuit of the puck, Cohen Gill was true to form as a power forward, and Carter Cuglietta epitomized the energy bunny. Carter made that pass to Jesse Lumsden that got things started.

The steady effort at both ends of the rink by the entire team makes it to hard to single out individuals. I could go thru the lineup and point out their solid efforts.

Four games remain but no easy ones. A single point would ensure a playoff spot. A win or two would enhance their playoff positioning.

The Braves are in Smiths Falls to play the Bears this afternoon. The puck drops at 4:00 pm.